Atriplex hortensis var. rubra (Red mountain spinach)

Botanical name

Atriplex hortensis var. rubra

Other names

Red mountain spinach, Red orach, Ornamental red spinach

Genus

Atriplex Atriplex

Species

A. hortensis var. rubra - A. hortensis var. rubra makes a tall spire of succulent, deep red-purple, triangular leaves, and tall dense racemes of tiny red-purple flowers, followed by papery seeds.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Erect, Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Dark-purple, Dark-red in Summer

Foliage

Dark-purple, Dark-red in Summer

General care

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Atriplex hortensis var. rubra (Red mountain spinach) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Add to salads

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Water in dry weather to inhibit bolting.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Atriplex hortensis var. rubra (Red mountain spinach)

Common pest name

Beet leafhopper; Leafhopper; beet

Scientific pest name

Circulifer tenellus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Pest of solanaceous crops; brassica and sugar beet; present in parts of the EU. Limited potential to establish in the UK; with some uncertainty. EU regulatory status is under review.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Atriplex hortensis var. rubra (Red mountain spinach)

Common pest name

Acorn disease; Citrus little leaf; Citrus stubborn disease; Little leaf of citrus; Stubborn disease of citrus

Scientific pest name

Spiroplasma citri

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Bacterial pest affecting citrus and field vegetables now present in parts of the EU. Carrots are the main crop potentially at risk; but main vectors responsible for transmission are unlikely to establish in the UK. EU regulations should be updated to reflect extended host range. Industry may be interested in pursuing research to investigate impacts on field vegetables.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/